Author Profile

Dr. Jennifer Cumming, Ph.D. in Kinesiology (Sport Psychology) – University of Western Ontario, Canada (2002), M.A. in Sport Studies / Human Kinetics – University of Ottawa, Canada (1998), B.Ed. in Physical Education (Specialisation in Fitness Education) McGill University, Montreal, Canada (1996) is a world-renowned authority in sport and exercise psychology whose extensive academic career perfectly aligns with the principles of Dynamic Foundations: Essentials of Health and Physical Education. As a Professor of Sport and Exercise Psychology at the University of Birmingham (UK), her life’s work focuses on the intersection of human movement, psychological resilience, and lifelong well-being. Dr. Cumming is a Chartered Psychologist and an Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society (AFBPsS). Her journey into the field began on the ice as a competitive figure skater, where she firsthand experienced the profound impact of mental training on physical execution. This synthesis of elite athletic experience, professional coaching background, and rigorous scientific inquiry makes her a compelling voice for modern health and physical educators. With over 20 years of research experience and more than 120 peer-reviewed papers, Dr. Cumming is celebrated for her pioneering work in Mental Skills Training (MST) and imagery. She bridges the gap between raw physical exertion and the cognitive tools—such as self-regulation, goal setting, and stress management—needed to sustain health throughout a lifespan. Her real-world impact is demonstrated by her leadership in initiatives like the Mental Skills Training for Life (#MST4Life) program, which adapts elite athletic mental strategies to support vulnerable and marginalized communities.

About The Book

Dynamic Foundations: Essentials of Health and Physical Education stands as a powerful manifesto for modern wellness, rewriting the narrative around human kinetics, biological literacy, and holistic pedagogy. Far from being a mere manual for field drills or basic sports instruction, this text positions physical education as a critical, equal-status core discipline essential to developing healthy societies. It serves as an ultimate guide for educators, exercise science specialists, and health advocates who recognize that movement is foundational to intellectual and emotional endurance.The text dives deep into the human body's underlying biological engines. It provides a comprehensive analysis of the skeletal, muscular, circulatory, and respiratory systems, revealing how they shift, adapt, and optimize under physical activity. By understanding the mechanical stress of exercise, readers move beyond mindless repetition, learning to unlock Peak Human Performance through exact training principles and scientific sports nutrition. Addressing today's sedentary lifestyles, the book serves as a vital countermeasure against chronic metabolic issues. It outlines clear methods to design active lifestyles that naturally lower the risks of obesity, cardiovascular decline, and juvenile diabetes. It shifts the focus from casual, seasonal games to a structured, daily commitment to personal health, fitness, and proactive preventative care.The text highlights how team sports, individual disciplines, and local indigenous games teach social cooperation, empathy, and fair play. It provides teachers with a practical toolkit for inclusive learning, ensuring every student, regardless of baseline ability, can develop strong motor skills, spatial awareness, and a lifelong love for movement.

Table of Contents

Preface
. INTRODUCTION TO PHYSICAL EDUCATION
. Introduction
. Physical Education -Meaning
. Objective Of Physical Education
. Scope Of Physical Education
. Importance Of Physical Education
. Trends In Physical Education
. Physical Fitness
. Olympic Movements
. Conclusion
.
. METHODS, ORGANIZATION AND ADMINISTRATION
. Introduction
. Methods Of Teaching Physical Activities
. Teaching Methods In Physical Education
. Lesson Plan
. Intramural Competitions
. Intramural Competition Committee
. Extramurals Competition
. Tournament
. Rules And Regulation Of Games
. Volley Ball
. Fundamental Skills
. Kabaddi
. Fundamental Skills Of The Game/Sport Offensive Skills
. Conclusion
.


. CONCEPT OF HEALTH EDUCATION
. Introduction
. Definitions Of Health Education
. Health Instruction
. Health Service
. Safety Education
. Athletic Injuries And First Aids
. Conclusion
.
. CAUSES AND PREVENTION OF DISEASES
. Introduction
. Life Style Disorders
. Cancer
. HIV/Aids
. Intentional And Unintentional Injuries
. Diabetes And Obesity
. Impact Of Pollution On Human Health
. Communicable Disease
. Conclusion
.
. FIRST AID -PRINCIPLES AND USES
. Introduction
. First Aid To Respiratory Discomfort
. Conclusion
.
. YOGA, PHYSICAL EXERCISE AND FITNESS
. Introduction
. Definition Of Yoga
. Aim And Objectives Of Yoga
. Different Asanas
. Exercise And Its Types
. Effect Of Exercise On Various Systems
. Conclusion
.
. FOOD AND NUTRITION
. Introduction
. Classification Of Food
. Constituents Of Food
. Nutrition And Mal Nutrition
.


. Digestive System
. Balanced Diet
. Conclusion
.
. 8. AWARENESS OF OUR BODY AND LEARNING
. Introduction
. Body Awareness — Body Image
. The Signals From Our Sensory Organs And Its Use For Movement
. Movement Education — Motor Learning
. Conclusion
.
. 9. PHYSICAL FITNESS AND MOTOR FITNESS
. Introduction
. Physical Fitness – Definition
. Physical Fitness Components
. Evaluation
. Conclusion
.
. 10. 20TH & 21ST CENTURY PHYSICAL EDUCATION, EXERCISE & SPORT
. The New Physical Education
. Leaders In The New Physical Education
. Major Developments In Physical Education And Exercise Science
. Amateur And Collegiate Sports
. Play To Recreation To Fitness
. Federal Legislation
. Summary
.
. 11. OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND EXERCISE SCIENCE
. Value Of Physical Activity For Everyone
. Recreation And Leisure Services
. Exercise Science
. Specialists And Interdisciplinary Research
. Elementary School Programs
. Secondary School Programs
. Challenges Facing Physical Educators
. Accreditation
. Accountability
.


. Career Burnout
. Summary
.
. 12. ISSUES IN SPORTS
. Girls And Women In Sports
. Equality For Ethnic Minorities, And Especially African Americans
. Equality For Senior Citizens
. Equality For Individuals With Special Needs
. Youth Sports
. Intercollegiate Athletics
. International Sports
. Summary
.
. 13. LEADERSHIP FOR ACTIVE LIVING
. Introductory Scenario
. Leadership In Physical Education, Exercise Science, And Sport
. Possible Changes In Physical Education, Exercise Science, And Sports
. Changing Identity—From Physical Education To Exercise Science And Sport Studies
. Physical Activity Trends And The Consequences Of Inactivity
. Promoting Physical Activity
. Physical Activity Throughout Life
. Science And Athletics
. Summary
.

Bibliography
Index